ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
DG Shipping completes 70 years of Powering the Shipping Industry in the Country
Shri Mandaviya to attend celebrations in Mumbai tomorrow
The Directorate General of Shipping will celebrate its 70th Foundation Day tomorrow, the 3rd September, 2019. Minister of State for Shipping  and Chemical & Fertilizers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya will launch the celebrations at an event in Mumbai. The special occasion will be dedicated to reflecting on the journey and contributions of the Directorate to the shipping sector in India since its inception in 1949 to the present day, and to chart out its future course towards boosting safe, secure and pollution free shipping.
The Directorate has taken several initiatives in the past to ease the working of the Shipping industry. These include revamping of old Acts, easing of norms for Coastal Shipping, quality training and employment of seafarers and complete revamp of e-Governance modules. There have been reforms in Training and Seafarer’s welfare systems, introduction of e- migrant and ISPL module in e-governance system ensuring maritime administration to be in the loop. The steps taken in the recent years have had significant impact on seafarers' employment whose numbers have gone up substantially touching a figure of 2,08,000. The Ship registration in India has gone up by around 200 in the last 4 years and coastal traffic is expected to rise significantly. These initiatives are a part of the much larger ‘Sagarmala Project’ envisaged by the government.
The function in Mumbai tomorrow will include a march past by four contingents of Trainee Cadets representing Maritime Training Institutes from East, West, North and South regions of the country. Interestingly, the 5th contingent will be one exclusively of women cadets. A contingent each of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard will also be there, symbolizing the close co-operation between the DG Shipping, Coast Guard and Indian Navy. The morning march past will be followed by a conference and a panel discussion. Stakeholders from the shipping industry and seafaring community will participate in the function.
Special Service and Features
International Conference on “Recent Trends and Innovations in Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems, R I S E E - 2 0 2 3”
The Dept. of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, National Institute of Technology Puducherry is organizing first International Conference on “Recent Trends and Innovations in Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems, RISEE - 2023” from 30th to 31st March 2023.
Dr. K. Sankaranarayanasamy, Director of NIT Puducherry has presided the inaugural function of the conference on 30-3-2023. The chairman of the conference Dr. A. Venkadesan, welcomed the gathering by presenting saplings to the guests. The secretary of the conference Dr. A Hemachander explained about the objectives of the conference.
First time in NIT Puducherry, illustrating technical concepts through a cultural event is being organized. Broadly, various tracks for this international conference can be highlighted as control systems, electric vehicles, power electronics and energy converters, and power systems. A total of 79 articles were received from various colleges/institutes all over India. Out of which 48 have been registered and are being presented at the conference.
Special Service and Features
V.O.CHIDAMBARANAR PORT AUTHORITY CELEBRATES 151stBIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF V.O.CHIDAMBARANAR
V.O.Chidambaranar Port Authority celebrated the 151stBirthday Anniversary of V.O.Chidambaranar on 05.09.2022. Shri T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, Chairman, V.O.Chidambaranar Port Authority, garlanded the V.O.C.Statue in the Port premises. Shri Bimal Kumar Jha, Deputy Chairman, VOC Port Board Members, Officers and Staff of the Port and Port School children paid rich tributes to the Legendary Freedom Fighter.
In the function organised today, Shri T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, Chairman, V.O.Chidabaranar Port Authority, in his presidential Address recalled the Sacrifices made by V.O.Chidabaranar and his indomitable courage and relentless efforts made by him in starting the First Swadesi Shipping Company. He also stated that the Port has established a pavilion on life history of V.O. Chidambaranar in the Ports information centre to help future generations comprehend on the life history of legendary freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaranar. He also stated that the proposed Maritime Heritage Museum would be named as VOC Maritime Heritage Museum.
Guest Speaker Dr. S. Jackson, Assistant Professor, V.O.C. College, Tuticorin, delivered inspirational speech on the association of V.O.Chidambaranar with freedom fighters Subramania Barathiyar and Subramania Siva. Shri Bimalkumar Jha, Deputy Chairman, V.O.Chidambaranar Port Authority, delivered a special address on the life and contributions of
V.O. Chidambaranar.
Shri Giriraj Singh Rathod, Secretary, V.O.Chidambaranar Port Authority, welcomed the gathering. Cultural Programmes were also conducted as part of the celebrations. The Chairman gave away the prizes to the winners of various Competitions conducted as part of the 151st Birthday Anniversary of V.O.Chidambaranar. Vote of thanks was delivered by Shri K. Ravikumar, Chief Engineer, V.O.Chidambaranar Port Authority.
The above details were released in a Press-Release by V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, today.
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Agreement on Cooperation in the field of youth work among the authorized bodies of the member states Shanghai Cooperation Organization 
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today was apprised about the Agreement signed among the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states on cooperation in the field of youth work among the authorized bodies of the member states of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation .
Consequent upon the adoption of the agreement on 17.09.2021 by the member states of Shanghai Cooperation Organization  on cooperation in the field of youth work, the agreement was signed by the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of the Republic of India. The official working language of the SCO Secretariat is Russian and Chinese.
The areas of cooperation includes; strengthen cooperation in the field of work with youth and public youth organizations  implementing state youth policy, as well as support initiatives aimed at enhancing international youth cooperation. The areas of cooperation further includes training of professional staff in the sphere of work with youth; exchange of scientific, reference and methodological materials, work experience of state bodies, youth public organization, other organizations and associations involved in the implementation of state youth policy and support of youth initiatives; carrying out joint research and activities on various youth policy issues and youth cooperation; exchange of scientific publications, research works on topical issues of preventing youth involvement in destructive structures; promote joint economic and humanitarian initiatives aimed at engaging youth in entrepreneurship and innovative projects to increase their employment and well-being; supporting the activities of the SCO Youth Council.
The objective of the Agreement is to strengthen mutual trust, friendly relations and cooperation among young people of SCO member States. Recognizing the importance of ensuring the development of youth cooperation as an element of deepening friendly relations among the SCO Member States. Seeking to further improve the conditions for youth cooperation based on international experience.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
199.12 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 1,32,457
Active cases stand at 0.30%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.49%
15,447 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,30,11,874
16,906 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
86.77 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 4,59,302 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Department of Atomic Energy
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, the share of nuclear power in the total electricity generation in the country is about 3.1% in the year 2020-21
Says, the nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 22480 MW by the year 2031 from the current 6780 MW
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, DrJitendra Singh said that The share of nuclear power in the total electricity generation in the country is about 3.1% in the year 2020-21. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, he said, the Government has embarked on a large nuclear power capacity addition program to increase the share of nuclear power in electricity generation. He said, more nuclear power plants are also planned in future and the nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 22480 MW by the year 2031 from the current 6780 MW.
There are presently 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW in operation and one reactor, KAPP-3  has been connected to the grid on January 10, 2021. Ten  nuclear power reactors with 8000 MW capacity  are under construction. Additionally, the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction of ten  indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors  of 700 MW each to be set up in fleet mode.
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SNC/TM/RR
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Benefit of Crop Insurance
Government has comprehensively revised and revamped the
Operational Guidelines of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana  with effect from Rabi 2018 and Kharif 2020
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana  is available for all States/UTs and farmers whether loanee, non-loanee, share cropper or tenant farmers on voluntary basis. The concerned State Government notifies the crops and areas under the Scheme. Therefore, benefits of the scheme are available to all those farmers who are growing notified crops in areas/insurance units notified by the concerned State Government.
Based on the experience gained, views of various stakeholders and with a view to ensure better transparency, accountability, timely payment of claims to the farmers and to make the scheme more farmer friendly, Government has comprehensively revised and revamped the Operational Guidelines of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana  with effect from Rabi 2018 and Kharif 2020 respectively to ensure the targeted delivery of benefits of the scheme to the farmers adequately and timely.
Further, National Crop Insurance Portal  has been developed for ensuring better administration, co-ordination, transparency, dissemination of information and delivery of services including direct online enrollment of farmers, uploading/obtaining individual insured farmer’s details for better monitoring and to ensure transfer of claim amount electronically to the individual farmers Bank Account. To ensure timely payment of claims, use of smartphone/CCE-Agri App for real time transfer of data on national crop insurance portal has been initiated. Crop Insurance app has also been launched, on which farmers can enroll themselves under the scheme, track their crop insurance and get all information about it.
Penalty provisions @12% per annum for late settlement of claims by insurance companies and late release of funds by State Governments have also been stipulated under the scheme.
As a result of these measures farmer friendly measures since inception of the scheme in 2016-17, against the premium of Rs. 21614 crore paid by farmers, the claims amounting to Rs. 97719 crore have been paid to 834.6 lakh farmer applications.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Lok Sabha.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements various Scholarship Schemes to promote and encourage basic and higher education amongst ST population
Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST students  is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented through respective State/UT administrations. This is an open-ended Scheme covering all ST students studying in Std. IXth & Xth, whose parental annual income is up to Rs. 2.50 lakhs.The contribution from Government of India is 75% and the state contribution is 25%. In respect of North East states and hilly states, the contribution from Government of India is 90% and the state contribution is 10%. In case of UTs like Andaman & Nicobar without Legislative Assembly and own grants, Govt. of India’s contribution is 100%.
Post Matric Scholarship for ST students  is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented through respective Ste/UT administrations. This is an open-ended Scheme covering all ST students studying in in class XI and above, whose parental annual income is up to Rs. 2.50 lakhs.The contribution from Government of India is 75% and the state contribution is 25%. In respect of North East states and hilly states, the contribution from Government of India is 90% and the state contribution is 10%. In case of UTs like Andaman & Nicobar without Legislative Assembly and own grants, Govt. of India’s contribution is 100%.
National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education for ST students is a Central Sector Schemes implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The scheme has two sub-Schemes
 National Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students . Under this Scheme, Scholarship is provided for pursuing Graduate/PostGraduate courses in the selected top-class Government and Non-Government Institutes in professional fields such as Management,Medicine, Engineering, Information Technology, Law etc. All the ST students, with annual parental income of less than 6 lakhs per annum and studying in the 252 such notified institutes are eligible to receive scholarship.
 National Fellowship Scheme for Higher Education of ST Students is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by Ministry of Tribal Affairs to grant scholarship to meritorious ST students for pursuing M.Phil or Ph.D in India after completion of Master degree. The total number of fresh fellowships for M.Phil/M.Phil+PhD/Ph.D every year will be 750. ST students with a minimum of 55% marks in Master Degree up to the age of 36 years are eligible to apply for fellowship under the Scheme. The value of fellowship is at par with UGC rates.
c)National Overseas Scholarship for ST students. is a Central Sector Scheme of Ministry of Tribal Affairs under which scholarships are given to the meritorious Schedule Tribe  students for pursuing higher education in reputed Institutes/Universities abroad. The Scheme is implemented through the Indian Embassies/Missions abroad, Ministry of External Affairs. Twenty awards are given every year. ST students with parental income up to 6 lakhs per annum are eligible to apply for the Scholarship under the Scheme.
This reply was given by Minister of Sate for Tribal Affairs Shri Bishweswar Tudu in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Gap in Price of Branded and Janaushadhi Medicine
Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana  being implemented by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, a medicine is priced on the principle of maximum of 50% of average price of the top three brands of the said medicine. Thus, the prices of Jan Aushadhi Medicines are cheaper at least by 50% and in some cases, by 80% to 90% of the market price of the branded medicines.
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India , the implementing agency of the Scheme has presently its warehouses situated at Gurugram, Chennai and Guwahati. In addition, there are 39 number of distributors spread all across the country. A total of six warehouses are envisaged by March 2025.
As on 31.01.2022, about 8,675 PMBJP Kendras have been opened in all the districts of the country so as to ensure accessibility of quality affordable generic medicines. In order to ensure availability of medicines, an Information Technology  enabled End-to-End supply chain system with Point-of-Sale  application for value added services has been implemented by PMBI to monitor end to end supply chain management system. All warehouses have SAP based inventory management system and the demand forecasting is done through the said system so as to place orders as per the desired inventory levels.
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority  under the Department of Pharmaceuticals regulates the prices of all drugs – whether branded or generic. While it fixes the ceiling price of scheduled medicines specified in the first schedule of the Drugs  Order, 2013, in case of non-scheduled medicines, the manufactures are free to fix Maximum Retail Price  of the drug. However, DPCO provides that the same do not increase by more than 10% of their MRP during the preceding twelve months. The details of retail/ceiling prices fixed/revised by NPPA are available on NPPA’s website, viz., www.nppaindia.nic.in.
PMBI spreads awareness about generic medicines through various types of advertisements such as TV, FM Radio, Auto wrapping, Cinema, Bus Brandings, State Transport Bus Stands, Digital Screen Advertisement at Railway Stations, etc. In addition, PMBI also educates the public regularly about usages of Jan Aushadhi generic medicines through various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc. The Bureau also organizes seminars and workshops to spread awareness about the scheme. Further, to propagate achievements of the scheme and create awareness about its benefits Jan Aushadhi Diwas is celebrated every year on 7th March.
The information was given by the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri PU Zoramthanga calls on Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan for enhancement of coverage under National Food Security Act
The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri PU Zoramthanga today called on the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi regarding enhancement of coverage and allocation under the National Food Security Act . The Chief Minister of Mizoram highlighted the fact that after the implementation of National Food Security Act in 2013, the allocation of foodgrain to the state has come down and 64.73% of the beneficiaries are being covered under NFSA and the remaining foodgrain is being procured from open market by the state government. Therefore, The CM demanded that the percentage coverage of beneficiaries be increased to atleast 80%. The CM was informed that NSSO survey is the basis for percentage distribution which is being uniformly applied throughout the nation and the allocation will be revised by NITI Ayog based on the new NSSO Survey and it is not possible to make any exception for Mizoram and enhance the tide over allocation.
The Chief Minister of Mizoram also requested the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan to instruct Food Corporation of India to construct FCI Godown at Sairang Dinthar and food storage depots  in Champhai, Siaha and Mamit District of Mizoram. Union Minister, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan assured the Chief Minister of all possible help in this regard. Construction will begin soon for the FCI Godown at Sairang Dinthar where land has already been transferred and land demand for Food Storage Depots in the three districts will be expedited. Regarding the issue of pending hill state transport subsidy which was put forth by the Chief Minister, a joint meeting will be held to resolve and expedite the release of funds to the state.
PIB Headquarters
BIKANER EXPRESS RESCHEDULED
Train No. 16312 , Kochuveli–Bikaner express, scheduled to leave Kochuveli at 15.35 hrs on 18th February 2017,  is rescheduled to start at 18.00 hrs on same day. , and the Train will be operating with modern LHB coaches from 18th February onwards.
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Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President pays rich tributes to former Prime Minister, Shri P V Narasimha Rao
Former PM’s bold economic reforms helped in accelerating country’s development
Shri Rao steered the country through many challenges
Vice President releases a book in Telugu on Shri Narasimha Rao
The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu today paid rich tributes to former Prime Minister, Shri P V Narasimha Rao and said the bold economic reforms initiated by him have helped in accelerating the country’s development.
Releasing a Telugu book titled “Viplava Tapasvi: PV” written by senior journalist, A Krishna Rao in Hyderabad, the Vice President said the country was facing severe economic crisis and political uncertainty when Shri Narasimha Rao took over as the Prime Minister.
Shri Rao had, however, exceeded the expectations of many political pundits and effectively steered the country through many challenges during his tenure, he added.
Shri Naidu said the former Prime Minister was an astute administrator. Although, one may not agree with some of the policies implemented by him, some of the broader initiatives taken by were in the larger interest of the country. He facilitated the entry of India into the World Trade Organization.
The Vice President said Shri Narasimha Rao, among others, removed license raj, took up banking reforms, electricity privatization, telecom modernization and took steps for boosting exports and attracting foreign investment. He also launched reforms in the agriculture sector and removed restrictions on transportation of food grains.
Shri Naidu recalled that the former Prime Minister also empowered the local bodies through 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. Describing the former Prime Minister as a multi-faceted personality, he said Shri Rao was a great scholar, litterateur and multi-linguist. He however, did not get due recognition, he added.
Lauding Shri Krishna Rao for coming out with the book on Shri Narasimha Rao, he urged the youth to read such books. He said books and memorial lectures about great men and women were meant to inspire others.
Rajya Sabha MP, K Keshava Rao, Shri Krishna Rao and Publisher, Shri Raghavendra Rao were present.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan officially takes charge of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution for a second consecutive term
(Eight-time Member of Parliament from Bihar and six-time Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan today officially took charge of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution for a second consecutive term. Shri Danve Raosaheb Dadarao also took charge as the Minister of State in the Ministry. All senior officials of the Ministry welcomed the Union Minister and the Minister of State and presented them with bouquets.
Addressing media after taking charge, Union Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan lauded Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his dynamic leadership and said that in 2014, people voted for Prime Minister Modi on the basis of his name and fame but in 2019 people voted for him on the basis of his work. The Union Minister further praised Prime Minister Modi and said he is the best Prime Minister in the world and he has been recognized the world over as a global leader and statesman.
Shri Paswan asserted that the government was confident of winning the elections under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and that is why a 100 day plan was asked to be formulated by all Ministries. The Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Shri Avinash K Srivastava informed media about the key initiatives that will be undertaken based on the 100 days plan.